Five Fast Patrol Boats paid-off leaving only HMS BRAVE BORDERER and HMS BRAVE SWORDSMAN in service

Submarines

Building of Royal Navy Armaments Depot (RNAD) at Coulport and Submarine Base for POLARIS submarines in Faslane announced.

Chief Polaris Executive appointed to ensure submarine build and weapon support programme is met on time and within budget. 1,700 personnel with support facilities would be deployed in Clyde by 1968. POLARIS submarines to have six torpedo tubes with hydroplanes to be fitted on bow structure. Two separate crews to be used for these submarines and refits carried out at Rosyth.

Build programmes for new Fleet submarines delayed by priority given to POLARIS acceptance into service.

US Navy AUTEC Range in Bahamas to be used by RN submarines.

HMS GRAMPUS and HMS PORPOISE carried out further operations under Arctic ice pack. See 1961

HMS VALIANT launched at Barrow.

HMS WARSPITE laid down at Barrow.

Naval Aviation

Assistance provided by helicopters for rescue work after UK blizzards.

Build of replacement Fleet aircraft carrier CVA1 announced, and to have VTOL capability.

First VTOL aircraft deck landing trials in HMS ARK ROYAL

Provision of Flotation gear for helicopters subject to production delays.

Selection of PHANTOM aircraft instead of P1154 for future naval use subject to dispute.

Poor delivery rate of helicopters. Promise of availability of WESSEX V in 1963 for use in KONFRONTASI operations not achieved

RNAS Abbotsinch closure as a Repair Facility.Still to be used as accommodation for ships refitting at Rosyth.

Safety system using red lighting for illumination of aircraft carrier superstructure to be introduced.

Trials on new aircraft Ejector Seat carried out

WASP Helicopter not available for HMS LEANDER.

WESSEX 5 Helicopter not available for HMS CENTAUR on completion of refit.

Home Waters

Inshore Minesweepers brought forward from Reserve for auxiliary tasks including use by RNXS Mine Clearance.

Operations CLEAR ROAD and CABLE WAY carried out with other NATO minesweepers in North Sea

11 RNR Division Minesweepers also deployed.

HMS BELFAST brought forward for service and used to take cadets and other trainees to Gibraltar.

Foreign Stations

Coastal Minesweepers deployed operationally in Persian Gulf.

Extensive salvage work carried out by HMS BARBAIN, HMS BARFOIL and HMS DUCHESS to re-float British mercantile in eastern approaches to Singapore harbour.

UK contribution to Mixed Manning of NATO ships planned to embark in USS CLAUDE V RICKETTS. Pay comparisons made and eventually Treasury approval was given to an Allowance. Later RN ships were deployed as part of a NATO Standing Force.)

12 Mile Fishing Limit introduced for UK.

170 Shore Establishments closed or role reduced since 1955.

Officers

Severe shortfall of Officer Entry partially due to requirement for two GCE "A" Levels.

Short Service aircrew officers encouraged to sign for further period.

Some 'Arts' Degree Graduates to be accepted and 100 Flying Scholarships to be awarded.

Ratings

Increased intake of Artificer Apprentices to cater for future needs.

Manning of a new Escort Squadron abandoned because of shortages. Poor Re-engagement of senior technical ratings was a major reason.

Royal Fleet Reserve Regulations changed.

Some improvements in ship amenities reported in new ships.

Ships

HMS BLAKE to be converted for use to carry Commandos using helicopters for transfer to shore.

HMS COOK (right - Navy Photos) returned to UK to Pay-off after damage due to grounding in Gilbert Islands.

HMS DIAMOND and HMS DUCHESS collided in Channel.

HMS DUCHESS loaned to RAN to replace HMAS VOYAGER which had been lost in collision.

HMS LION and HMS LOWESTOFT collided in Firth of Forth during departure after Royal opening of Forth Road Bridge.

HMS LOFOTEN commissioned for Anti-submarine Helicopter Training use.

HMS PROTECTOR to be replaced as Ice Patrol Ship.

HMS RELENTLESS hit by 0.22 bullet during departure from Cork after visit.

HMS VICTORIOUS recommissioned at Singapore.

HMS VIDAL wearing Flag of Hydrographer of the Navy visited Leningrad.

ALGERINE Class Minesweeper HMS ACUTE held in Reserve used for Underwater Shock trials.

Submarines

Approval given for order of some equipment for fifth POLARIS submarine.

Problems at Dounreay delayed sea trials in HMS VALIANT.

Training of first RN POLARIS Crews began in USA. Later these will be carried out at Faslane.

HMS RESOLUTION first POLARIS submarine laid down.(*February)

HMS RENOWN laid down (June). New techniques using ultrasonic principals to be used to check Pressure Hull welding.

Underwater escape tests carried cut in Loch Fyne from HMS ORPHEUS at depth of 200 feet using new equipment.

HMS OTTER and HMS NARWHAL completed patrols under Arctic ice-pack.

Naval Aviation

50th Anniversary of the formation of The Royal Navy Air Service celebrated attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Deliveries of SEA VIXEN and WESSEX V began. .Both to have guided missile capability.Delivery for new ships slow.

Restriction in helicopter flying time made in Hone waters because of shortage of spares

Extensive use of helicopters in support of KONFRONTASI military operations in Borneo. GANNET aircraft from HMS VICTORIOUS also used for radar surveillance

Modernisation of HMS EAGLE cost £31M, an overspend of £12M.

PHANTOM/P1154 selection problems not resolved.

BUCCANEER aircraft design problem evident after engine failure.

Helicopter Support Ship HMS ENGADINE ordered.

Home Waters

12 mile Fishing Limit Agreement signed and included exclusive use by British vessels of the first six miles. Fishery Protection Squadron activities increased to avoid clashes with Polish and East German trawlers.

NATO Annual exercise TEAM WORK included 64 RN ships (Destroyers and below.)

Only 10% of required number of Married Quarters available.

HMS DIAMOND and HMS SALISBURY in collision in Channel when steaming close together.

HMS MALCOLM embarked scientist for survey around new volcano off Iceland,

HMS LONDON paid visit to Capital.

Foreign Stations

Service Families offered flights to Singapore on Charter aircraft at 'reduced’ cost of £96. (This expense unlikely to be very attractive.)

Habitability of ships criticised by Parliamentary Committee.

Increased involvement by RN, RAN and RNZN in Borneo KONFRONTASI support. Naval Party KILO formed for Inshore patrol. Guardship provided at Tawau. Several Incidents involving Coastal Minesweepers.Far East Fleet strength stronger than at any time since 1953. Patrols Instituted in Malacca Straits to intercept Indonesian infiltration craft

‘Unaccompanied’ foreign service to be kept to 12 months maximum separation.

HMS ANZIO involved in attempt to tow tanker ESSO NORWAY in Indian Ocean.

HMS AUSONIA and HMS SURPRISE withdrawn from Malta.

HMS BULWARK to relieve HMS ALBION in Far East and to be refitted.

Banyan Party seized by Chinese near Hong Kong but later released.

HMS VICTORIOUS, HMS CAESAR and HMS CAVENDISH visited Australia. On return passage joined by HMS HAMPSHIRE, HMS BERWICK and HMS DIDO passed through Sunda Strait together which caused some concern in Indonesia.

HMS CENTAUR and other ships diverted to Zanzibar after Sultan deposed. Later ships were deployed at Dar-es-Salaam and also supported military operations in Aden.

HMS ROTHESAY and HMS WHIRLWIND deployed for patrol off Bahamas to intercept illegal traffic from Cuba.

1 9 6 5

Administration

Joint Anti-submarine School at Londonderry closed.

Required manpower strength of 91,078 to increase to 93,550 by Aprl 1966. 75% of entry under 17and 9,000 a year needed.

Mixed national manning experiment of NATO warships failed. Multi-national MATCHMAKER Squadron to be formed with HMS LEANDER as the RN contribution.

MOD Committee set up to examine the most efficient and economic use of aircraft.

Naval strength required to maintain an ‘East of Suez’ presence questioned in Parliament.

New Pay Review arrangement proposed including consideration of an "X” Factor. “X” Factor to take account of armed service restrictions. 17% increase needed but 3% offered.

Part of IKARA weapon development work to be done in UK.

RN Volunteer Supplementary Reserve (RNVSR) to be disbanded.

Saturation Diving Display given to Press.

Unified Intelligence Staff to be created within Ministry of Defence with all three armed services represented

Officers

10% of RN aircrew resigned Commissions because of uncertainty about the future of Naval Aviation.

15% shortage of Electrical officers admitted in Parliament.

Britannia RN College Cadet annual entry of 229 met requirement for first time since 1957.

Future Fleet Working Party reported cancellation of 5th POLARIS submarine was needed to ensure availability of Funds. Manpower increase: 98,326 to 99,570 by 1967.

Future responsibility for all procurement of food and for moorings taken over by MOD (Navy).

New Pay Code introduced and some Pension arrangements improved.

Naval Presentation Team formed to improve Public Relations and recruiting. 1st UK tour begun.

MOD directives consequent on Rhodesian UDI issued but not appreciated by those at sea.

Research and Development investigations in hand for use of Satellite Communications (SATCOMS).Automatic Fire Control for main armament and Underwater Noise. Trials on Satellite Communications equipment (SCOT) carried out by HMS WAKEFUL with UK Station at Christchuroh, Hampshire. Security risk exposed by training of Indian Navy officers.

Officers

Aircrew in ships deployed 'East of Suez' to be given Home Leave half-way through tours.

Aircrew resignations increasing due to lack of confidence in future of navel aviation.18 RAF pilots chosen for transfer. Supplementary List aircrew extending service to be paid £3,000 Bounty

Special Duties List Officer pensions to be the same as that for equivalent rank in General List.

No further resignations to be accepted except on medical grounds.

Ratings

Re-engagement and recruiting numbers still in decline. Only 49% of those completing 12 year service re-engaged but 65% required. Figures for 9 Year Engagements were 50% required but only 21% attained. Intelligence standards for new recruits for Seaman Branch reduced. Interest Free Loans for House Purchase made available. Re-engagement Bounty for completion of 22 years pensionable service doubled to £750. Shortfall in artificer apprentice intake acute.

Squadron System for identifying groups of same type of destroyer or frigate abandoned.

Fire on board HMS BLAKE (right - Navy Photos) during refit.

HMS DEVONSHIRE with CinC Home Fleet embarked visited Leningrad.

INVINCIBLE Class announced as the replacement for TIGER Class cruisers.

HMS TIGER used for UDI conference at Gibraltar.

Foreign Stations

Argentine party landed in Falklands.

Beira patrol requirements continued including extensive use of RFAs. HMS EAGLE had spent 77 days continuously at sea when relieved by HMS ARK ROYAL. .HMS PLYMOUTH spent 42 days continuously under way. HMS BERWICK and HMS PLYMOUTH intercepted tankers.

HMS CARYSFORT deployed in Seychelles during labour dispute and relieved by HMS MOHAWK.

RNAS SEMBAWANG still in use at Singapore.

RNAS facility at Naga Ket, Borneo given name of RNAS TAUARI (local bird).

KONFRONTASI support continued until October when Malaya and Indonesia agreed a Settlement. 70 ships deployed in Far East. Guardshlp retained at Tawau. HMS DARTINGTON fired on by shore batteries whilst escorting Malayan craft. Piracy problems continued throughout year. HMS DEVONSHIRE and HMAS DERWENT rescued crew of Panamanian ship which had sunk off Sibu.

HMS DIDO assisted in putting down mutiny on British mercantile SUDBURY HILL in Gulf of Aden.

West Indies patrol activities continued on reduced scale in order to provide ships for Beira patrol. HMS ROTHESAY and HMS URSA involved in rescue work. HMS ZEST landed party to help restore electrical power during strike in Bahamas. HMS DEFENDER deployed at St Vincent as a precaution during period when political unrest anticipated.

HMS CALTON found British weapons intended for delivery to friendly Arab states on board Dhow intercepted during patrol in Arabian Sea.

1 9 6 7

Administration

Costs for HMS FIFE and HMS GLAMORGAN caused further controversy about build contracts.

Defence Sales Organisation established.

Defence Review implied further reductions in spending despite extent of current deployments. Some families overseas brought home to save foreign exchange costs.

TEMPLAR Committee reported on Joint Service aircraft and missile procurement and maintenance.

Vosper built patrol craft chartered as no suitable RN vessel available for use during exercises.

HMS WARRIOR commissioned at Northwood as CinC Western Fleet headquarters.

Whitehall Communication facilities modernised in line with current Fleet changes.

Foreign Stations

Appointment of CinC Mediterranean abolished on 5th June.

Deployments increased to counter and carry out surveillance of Russian activities.

HMS HARDY and HMS GRAFTON deployed from Home waters.

HMS VICTORIOUS retained whilst on passage to Far East

Closure of base at Aden forecast.and use of Flag Officer Middle East to be abolished. Facilities at Mombasa improved. HMS FEARLESS took part in support of operations against rebels at Aden. Withdrawal operations at Aden commenced and to be completed in January 1968. 25 ships involved.

Beira patrol still being maintained. HMS MINERVA fired shot across bows of French tanker which continued passage.

RN RFA's supplied fuel to US warships on passage to Vietnam.

HMS AJAX rescued crew of RAF SHACKLETON aircraft in Indian Ocean

Frigate on South Africa and South Atlantic Station withdrawn.

HMS AMBROSE, Submarine base at Halifax, Canada closed.

Crest of Inshore Squadron deployed in Borneo presented to Sarawak National Museum.

Extensive un-programmed deployments made in view of world political unrest including that at Hong Kong provided by HMS BULWARK during local strike and mainland China unrest. HMS HERMES landed troops to assist civil power in Hong Kong.

HMS LLANDAFF involved in rescue of crew of Liberian mercantile COCHTTA (sic) in Indian Ocean.

Correction and additional information with thanks to McEwen Head (22 Aug 2012) - "I intercepted the SOS at 8.15pm (local time - 300 miles west of the Seychelles) when we were on passage between Mombasa and Mahe during the night of 5th/6th July 1967. The ship in distress was the Liberian registered CONCHITA with a captain, three officer and 17 crewmen, all of whom were rescued when we arrived on the scene at about 11.15pm that evening. We stood by the Conchita overnight with a view to attempt to tow her but she sank early the next morning."

HMS MOHAWK carried out rescue work in Caribbean.

HMS ZEST deployed at St Vincent during local election period as a precaution.

1 9 6 8

Administration

Cost of modernisation of HMS ARK ROYAL raised in Parliament

Function of Amphibious Warfare ships in NATO questioned.

R&D work on Glass Reinforced Plastic completed. To be used for coastal minesweepers and submarine casings

Logistic Support arrangements altered at MOD level.

Manpower target 94,900 to be reduced to 79,000 by 1973

Metric Charts issued.

New Digital Computer project for weapon control and information announced (CAAIS)

New Pay Code and Pensions introduced in September and back dated to 1st April. Existing pensions not included. Pay to be kept under review by National Service Pay and Pensions Board

Port Admiral Title to replace Admiral in main Dockyard ports

* Article on Redundancy Programme in NAVY NEWS.

RFA Tanker strength to be Increase because of reduction of shore fuel depots overseas.

Travelling Allowance payments to be made instead of issue of Railway Warrants

‘Stand-By Squadron’ for RN ships Introduced for ships held at short notice in Reserve.

HMS CORUNNA to be 'preserved’ in special operation.

Changed Programme for 16,000 redundancies to be made between 1968 and 1973 announced. Extensions of service beyond 22 years to be limited.

Officers

*Article in NAVY NEWS on Bos'n of the Yard and Master Rigger.

Applications for Scholarships and Reserved Cadetships fell.

Numbers of personnel employed in MOD(N) personnel still high despite run-down of Fleet.

Ratings

Able Seaman Robin Cloude of HMS DUNCAN convicted by court martial for passing information to USSR.

Artificer training period reduced by eight months.

Coxswain Branch abolished.

Leading Seaman to be qualified for appropriate 'Non-Sub’ rate before advancement.

First Approach by National Maritime and Imperial Mar Museum to acquire HMS BELFAST.

*Article on Boom Defence Vessels in NAVY NEWS

First two Type 42 SEADART fitted destroyers ordered - HMS SHEFFIELD and HMS BIRMINGHAM (right - sister-ship HMS Cardiff, MOD. No enlargement). New design 4" gun being developed for use as main armament.

New Frigate (Type 21) to be designed by commercial contract.Originally combined RN/RAN frigate. Contract awarded to Vosper-Thornycroft and Yarrow Shipbuilders.

* Article on Radar Picket Ships in NAVY NEWS.

SEASLUG II fitting in COUNTY Class cancelled. To be replaced by SEAWOLF.

Aerial required for SKYNET Satellite Communications system found to be too large for fitting in small ships. New design SCOT aerial is suitable for this purpose.

RAN design IKARA System to be fitted in some LEANDER Class Frigates.

*Articles on HMS ABDIEL, HMS INTREPID and HMS ENGADINE in NAVY NEWS.

HMS BULWARK returned from Far East and hurriedly redeployed for NATO Exercise POLAR EXPRESS.

HMS EXMOUTH conversion far Gas Turbine use completed sea trials.

HMS BLAKE conversion completed after long delays.

HMS LION to be converted to carry helicopters.

HMS MATAPAN taken out of Reserve and converted for use as Sonar Trials Ship.

Pre WW2 Coastal Minelayer HMS PLOVER Paid-off after 30 years service.

HMS RAPID sale to Ecuador failed. Ship to be used for Artificer training at Rosyth.

HMS SCYLLA launched at Devonport.

Bravery awards made to personnel of HMS DIANA.

Submarines

Development of Mark 24 Torpedoes delayed after trials problems. These were second series of trials after extensive redesign work.

Clyde Submarine Base HMS NEPTUNE opened by HM The Queen Mother.

New Escape equipment trials carried out from HMS ONYX at depth of 125 feet in Loch Fyne. *Article in NAVY NEWS

Closure of Suez Canal made necessary an increase of use of Simons Town for calls by ships returning from service in the Far East. HMS WOOLASTON delayed in South Africa by defect repair when on return passage from Singapore. Future use of this facility in question because of embargo on supply of arms to South Africa.

RFA ENNERDALE assisted South African destroyer during rescue work in South Atlantic.

* Article In NAVY NEWS on Royal visit to Brazil.

Sales cruise carried out to South American ports to attract purchase of British warships

Temporary build up of RN ships in Gibraltar during UN discussions about return of Gibraltar to Spain.

HMS VIDAL visited Basra and experienced some diplomatic problems.

1 9 7 0

Administration

All Pay Accounting and Ratings Drafting records to be computerised

Continuous Service scheme for ships in place of fixed dates for each commission to begin in 1971.

Death of Admiral Micheal Le Fanu who had retired on medical grounds when First Sea Lord. A dynamic and forthright officer who will be sadly missed.

Details of modernisation of Devonport and Portsmouth Dockyards announced.

Building of three covered refit docks at Devonport approved.

Grievances from servicemen now to be allowed as for other Government employees.

First promotion to Admiral rank of an Engineering Branch officer.

French EXOCET missile system to be introduced into RN use.

Increase in demands on Hydrographic Department due to use of large tankers and deep diving submarines

Military Salary including X Factor introduced. Rise of 9% for males and 1% for females. Promise made for pay to be reviewed every two years.

Commutation paid on retirement to be subject to payment of interest as it regarded as a loan. This caused apprehension and some disquiet.

Redundancies since 1965 totalled 2,180 on 1st January.

Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS) established and to include the larger vessels of the Port Auxiliary. New design of ensign for RMAS introduced.

Changes in training of Royal Marines announced.

SKYNET Satellite Communications System in HMS INTREPID used to carry out tests.

Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy issued after change of Government in October.

Requirements for Training Establishments to be rationalised (See below in Home Waters Section.)

Review of uniforms carried out.

University Naval Units established at Liverpool and Southampton.

Officers

Ceiling age requirement for University Graduates raised in numbers from 20 to 100.

Dartmouth Entry intake of 129 still below required level.

'In Service' Degree for Executive and Supply Branch officers being discussed with London University.

Minimum Seniority limits for entry into Promotion Zones for Captain and Commander lowered.

Prince Charles to enter Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971.

Redundancy programme in hand but some selections proved premature as retention needed.

Shortage of Supplementary List officers.

Title of Bos'n for Seaman Special Duties Seamen officers abolished.

Ratings

Institute of City and Guilds recognised advancement course for ratings in the Seaman and Communications Branches.

Disturbance Allowance paid to cover costs when moving home improved.

DONALDSON Report on Service Conditions adopted.

Ratings under age of 18 on entry can be released after 3 years service.

Proposed 5 years for Artificers rejected.

4 Year Engagement period for all ratings to be allowed after 1971.

‘On the Job' training introduced as a Trial in some ships.

Rum Ration abolished en 31 July. 'Sailors 'Tot' Fund set up

Slight increase in Intake but numbers still 50% below requirement.

33% Re-engagements (9 Year) and 59% (12 Year)

Terms of Regular Engagements altered. Release with 18 months notice allowed after completion of 10 years service. Three Grades of Pay introduced to recognise professional and other skills for some Ratings

'Trickle' drafting for ships instead of fixed date recommissioning to begin in January 1971.

Warrant Rank introduced for Senior Ratings on 30th September. Rank of 'Fleet Chief' introduced to equate with Army and RAF Warrant Officers. (Note: These did not equate with the Warrant Rank abolished in 1948)

HMS ARK ROYAL recommissioned in presence of HM The Queen Mother. PHANTOM aircraft modifications and CAAIS equipment fitted during refit. No defensive armament. Ship to remain in service till late 1970's. First 'Hot Air’ Balloon ascent from RN Carrier

Negotiations for build of first Coastal Minesweeper using GRP in hand.HMS WILTON to be first ship.

HMS NORFOLK fitted with EXOCET French missile and carried out trials on French firing range at Toulon.

R&D trials carried out in ASWE Portsdown during design work for new aerials. These were to involve simulation of sea conditions.

SEASLUG missile still not ready for operational use although fitted in last four COUNTY Class GM destroyers. Test Launch from HMS GLAMORGAN in Cardigan Bay on Aberporth Range failed. .Missile landed ashore

High Speed Launch TENACITY borrowed from Vosper-Thornycroft due to late delivery of FPB on order.

HMS CONQUEROR gearbox oil found to be contaminated. Sabotage by labour force suspected.

HMS COURAGEOUS launched.

Delays in completion of new submarines and torpedoes revealed in Parliamentary White paper. Only seven new submarines will be in service by 1972 instead of 17. Mark 24 Torpedo Programme still unsatisfactory. Special management system to be set up. Design defect in Mark 8 Torpedo warheads made necessary special repair programme.

No RN fleet Aircraft Carrier available for Exercise BERSATU PADU in Indian Ocean in June. HMAS MELBOURNE took part. HMS BLAKE was withdrawn because of boiler problems. .HMS BULWARK left after initial phase to visit Japan to take part in EXP070.

Increased naval strength maintained in Mediterranean. Need for Standing NATO FORCE was now apparent but could not be implemented because of capability of Greek and Turkish ships. HMS FIFE, HMS ALBION, HMS ARK ROYAL and ships of Dartmouth Training Squadron deployed.

HMS INTREPID visited Mauritius with USS VALOUR.

Joint Defence Organisation to be set up in Malaysia after UK withdrawal from Singapore. Training to be continued in Far East.

Extensive activities in West Indies included - HMS SIRIUS rescued survivors from ferry off St Kitts, deployed near Jamaica and Grand Cayman during political threats, and at San Juan, Puerto Rico during visit by Lord Mountbatten. HMS SIRIUS and HMS GRENVILLE at Bermuda during protests about visit by Prince Charles.